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Riot Posts Record $647M Revenue in 2025 as Bitcoin Miners Struggle

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Riot Platforms (NASDAQ: RIOT) closed 2025 with a record revenue footprint, anchored by a surge in Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) mining and a strategic pivot toward AI-friendly data infrastructure. The miner reported $647.4 million in revenue for the year, up 72% from $376.7 million in 2024, with Bitcoin mining revenue accounting for the bulk of that rise — $576.3 million — as the company’s hashrate climbed and Bitcoin prices firmed. The year saw Riot mine 5,686 BTC, up from 4,828 BTC in 2024. The average cost to mine one Bitcoin, excluding depreciation, rose to $49,645 from $32,216 in 2024, reflecting a 47% increase in the global network hashrate and higher mining difficulty, though power credits grew 68% over the year, helping offset some costs. Engineering revenue also climbed to $64.7 million from $38.5 million in 2024.

Key takeaways

  • Full-year revenue reached $647.4 million, a 72% year-over-year rise, driven largely by Bitcoin mining.
  • Bitcoin mining revenue totaled $576.3 million in 2025, with Riot producing 5,686 BTC for the year.
  • The average cost to mine one BTC rose to $49,645 due to a 47% jump in the global network hashrate and higher mining difficulty; power credits rose 68% to help compensate.
  • Riot still posted a net loss of $663 million for 2025 due to accounting adjustments and the paper value of its Bitcoin holdings, though adjusted EBITDA reached $13 million.
  • At year-end, Riot held 18,005 BTC on its balance sheet (3,977 BTC pledged as collateral), valued at about $1.6 billion at the period’s price; the company maintained $309.8 million in cash, including $76.3 million restricted.
  • The year featured notable strategic moves, including an AMD data-center agreement and the sale of Bitcoin to fund a 200-acre land purchase in Rockdale, Texas, amid activist pressure to accelerate a pivot toward AI/HPC infrastructure.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $RIOT, $AMD

Sentiment: Neutral

Market context: The 2025 crypto cycle remained volatile, with miners navigating lower price environments and rising mining difficulty as global hashrates expanded. Riot’s results reflect both the resilience of Bitcoin mining revenue and the pressures of noncash accounting on reported profits, while the sector-wide shift toward data-center and AI infrastructure gained pace among peers.

Why it matters

Riot’s 2025 numbers underscore the enduring profitability potential of Bitcoin mining when operational scale and efficiency align with favorable Bitcoin price trends. The company’s ability to produce 5,686 BTC in a year demonstrates the continued relevance of large-scale, purpose-built mining operations even as macro conditions vary. Yet the sizable net loss for 2025 highlights the distinction between cash generation and reported earnings, driven by noncash accounting adjustments and the mark-to-market treatment of Bitcoin holdings. For investors, the key takeaway is whether Riot’s business model can convert its rising revenue into sustainable cash flow as it diversifies beyond mining into AI-focused data-center infrastructure.

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Riot’s strategic pivot toward AI and HPC infrastructure is a central theme in the sector. The company’s leadership has signaled a broader trend among leading miners to repurpose existing power capacity for AI workloads, aligning with a market where demand for GPU-accelerated data centers and related services remains robust. This pivot aligns Riot with peers that have begun converting mining capacity into AI computing, a move that could unlock new monetization avenues beyond BTC production. The balance between mining economics and the potential upside from AI/HPC deployments will be critical to assess in the coming quarters, particularly as the company explores capital allocation decisions that could affect liquidity and leverage metrics.

The year’s narrative is also shaped by external pressures from activist investors. Starboard Value’s position suggested the AI/HPC pivot could unlock a valuation up to $21 billion, a view that intensifies scrutiny on how Riot deploys capital and scales its non-mining businesses. The broader mining ecosystem is undergoing a similar transformation, with other miners converting facilities and power capacity into data-center operations. In this environment, Riot’s execution on both mining efficiency and AI-centric expansion will be watched closely by holders and analysts alike.

Beyond Riot’s internal dynamics, the sector faced notable earnings results from peers during 2025. Core Scientific reported Q4 revenue of $79.8 million, down 16% year over year and short of estimates, while TeraWulf posted quarterly mining revenue of $35.8 million, below expectations. Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA) faced a steeper quarterly loss of $1.71 billion as revenue declined, underscoring the difficult backdrop for miners even as some players pursue diversification into AI infrastructure. The industry’s earnings narrative in 2025 highlighted both the fragility of pure mining profits and the potential for strategic pivots to sustain growth.

Riot’s year-end results also mirror a broader financial landscape in crypto by illustrating how the balance sheet interacts with price movements. The company finished the year with 18,005 BTC on hand, including nearly 4,000 BTC pledged as collateral, valued at approximately $1.6 billion using year-end Bitcoin prices. With $309.8 million in cash and $76.3 million restricted, Riot’s liquidity position provides a foundation for ongoing investments, including data-center expansions and potential acquisitions linked to its AI/HPC strategy. The role of Bitcoin as a treasury asset remains a focal point for investors evaluating the risk-reward profile of mining-centric businesses in a volatile market.

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What to watch next

  • Progress of the AMD data-center agreement and any related deployment milestones at Riot’s facilities.
  • Updates on the Rockdale, Texas land development and whether additional capital is deployed toward AI/HPC infrastructure.
  • Regulatory or market developments that could impact mining economics or Bitcoin’s treasury treatment in Riot’s financials.
  • Future quarterly results for any signs of improved profitability from AI/data-center initiatives or changes in BTC holdings strategy.
  • Ongoing discourse with activists and any governance actions tied to Riot’s strategic pivot and capital allocation plan.

Sources & verification

  • Riot Platforms, Inc. announces full-year 2025 financial results and strategic highlights — official press release.
  • Riot Platforms’ 2025 earnings report (PDF): Riot earnings report. Source: Riot.
  • Details on the AMD data-center agreement and Rockdale land purchase: Riot Platforms Bitcoin AI HPC Texas land deal — original reporting.
  • Activist investor Starboard Value commentary on Riot’s strategic pivot and potential valuation upside: Starboard Value discussion.
  • Industry context on AI infrastructure and mining sector shifts: article on AI-focused data centers and high-yield bonds in BTC mining.

Riot Platforms’ 2025 results reflect a record top line and a pivot toward AI infrastructure

Riot Platforms (NASDAQ: RIOT) posted a year that underscored both the durability of large-scale Bitcoin mining and the strategic tension between traditional mining economics and the opportunity set created by AI-centric data centers. The revenue trajectory was unmistakable: a $647.4 million top line, a 72% ascent from the prior year, with BTC-driven mining revenue powering the majority of that growth. The company’s annual Bitcoin production reached 5,686 BTC, a solid step up from 4,828 BTC in 2024, illustrating how scale and efficiency can translate into tangible output even amid a volatile crypto environment. The mining segment’s strength is tempered by cost dynamics that have evolved in tandem with a rapidly expanding network hashrate — up 47% globally — and a corresponding rise in mining difficulty. Excluding depreciation, Riot’s estimated custo to mine a single Bitcoin rose to $49,645, a signal that margins can compress when the network grows quickly, though the resilience of power credits, which rose 68% in the year, helped cushion some of that pressure.

The company’s 2025 earnings narrative was not simple arithmetic. A net loss of $663 million dominated headlines, but much of that figure traces noncash accounting adjustments and changes in the paper value of Riot’s Bitcoin holdings. When noncash items are stripped away, adjusted EBITDA stood at $13 million for the year. Investors were reminded that cash-generating capacity can coexist with paper losses on the balance sheet, a dynamic that has become increasingly common among miners that carry substantial Bitcoin positions on their books. The disclosures around these noncash effects underscore the importance of parsing GAAP results from the underlying cash flow and operating performance when evaluating Riot’s long-term trajectory.

On the balance sheet, Riot ended 2025 with a sizable cache of Bitcoin — 18,005 BTC — worth roughly $1.6 billion using year-end prices, of which 3,977 BTC were pledged as collateral. The company also held $309.8 million in cash, with $76.3 million classified as restricted. These figures provide Riot with a degree of financial flexibility as it navigates capital allocations in a field that remains sensitive to Bitcoin’s price trajectory and mining economics. The year’s liquidity position supports ongoing initiatives tied to the AI/HPC pivot, including potential expansions of data-center capacity or related partnerships.

Strategically, Riot’s year highlighted deliberate steps toward redefining its role beyond pure mining. In January, Riot struck a data-center agreement with AMD (NASDAQ: AMD), signaling a potential shift toward AI accelerator workloads and high-performance computing. In tandem, the company disclosed plans to monetize Bitcoin to fund a 200-acre land purchase in Rockdale, Texas, a move that aligns with a broader push to increase on-site compute capacity while pursuing productive uses for capital. Activist investor Starboard Value pressed for a more accelerated pivot into AI infrastructure, arguing that the transformation could unlock substantial value. This tension between immediate mining returns and longer-term data-center profitability mirrors a wider industry debate about how miners should allocate capital as demand for AI infrastructure continues to grow.

Riot’s narrative sits within a broader ecosystem of miners pursuing similar diversification. Peers such as Hive, Hut 8, TeraWulf, and Iren have repurposed some of their power assets for data-center operations, while CoreWeave has moved toward fully AI infrastructure. The evolving earnings mix reflects an industry-wide recalibration: mining revenues remain a foundational contributor, but AI-focused data centers promise new avenues for revenue and margin expansion if executed with discipline and scale. The 2025 results thus offer a snapshot of a sector in transition — one where the fate of an individual miner hinges on execution across multiple fronts: efficiency, balance-sheet discipline, capital allocation, and the ability to monetize AI compute opportunities as demand for AI workloads climbs.

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Looking ahead, Riot’s path will depend on how successfully it translates its AI/HPC ambitions into tangible earnings and how it navigates Bitcoin’s price volatility. The company’s forthcoming disclosures and quarterly updates will be critical for assessing whether the AI pivot can meaningfully augment free cash flow and provide a sustainable alternative to mining-driven revenue. As miners balance the traditional economics of BTC production with the strategic imperative to invest in AI infrastructure, Riot’s 2025 experience could serve as a bellwether for the broader market’s willingness to embrace diversification as a route to enduring profitability.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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AVAX Tests Key Support as Descending Triangle Signals Possible Trend Reversal Ahead

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • AVAX trades near $9 as price consolidates above key support within a multi-year descending triangle structure
  • Strong buyer activity appears around $8–$10, with reduced volatility signaling a possible accumulation phase
  • Resistance between $13 and $16 remains critical, with a breakout needed to shift short-term momentum
  • A confirmed move above the descending trendline could open a path toward the $60–$80 price range

Avalanche (AVAX) is trading near a key support zone as its weekly chart shows a long-term descending triangle. Price action suggests buyers are stepping in, with consolidation forming near the lower boundary of the structure.

AVAX Holds Key Support as Buyers Step In

AVAX has remained within a broad downtrend since its 2021 peak above $130. The weekly chart shows a clear pattern of lower highs, guided by a descending resistance trendline. This structure has kept selling pressure active during each rally attempt.

According to analyst Butterfly on X, AVAX is bouncing from the lower edge of the triangle. The post added that buyers are showing interest near this support, with early signs of control shifting toward bulls.

Price is now hovering around $9.18, just above a strong support zone between $10.5 and $11. This area has been tested several times, making it a key level for market participants. Below this, the $8 to $9 range has acted as a short-term accumulation zone.

The chart also shows reduced volatility within this range. Price movement has tightened, forming a consolidation pattern. This behavior often appears when selling pressure slows and buyers begin absorbing available supply.

Volume data supports this view. Larger spikes appeared during earlier sell-offs and rebounds. More recently, volume has stabilized, with no sharp increase in selling activity. This trend suggests that the market may be entering a transition phase.

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Resistance Levels Define Next Direction

While support has held, several resistance levels remain in focus. The first barrier sits between $13.5 and $16.5, where recent price rejection occurred. A move above this range could shift short-term momentum.

Beyond that, the $20.5 to $25.5 range represents a mid-level resistance zone. This area aligns with the previous price structure and could slow movement upward if reached. The descending trendline near $30 remains the most critical level.

A breakout above this trendline would change the long-term structure. It would end the pattern of lower highs and open the path for a broader recovery. Projections from the chart suggest that such a move could push the price toward the $60 to $80 range.

On the downside, a break below $8 would weaken the current setup. In that case, price could move toward the $6 to $7.5 region. This level has served as support in the past and may attract new buying interest.

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For now, AVAX remains in a narrow range between $8 and $12. This zone has become a key area where both buyers and sellers are active. The longer the price stays within this band, the stronger the next move could be.

Market participants are watching closely as the structure approaches a decision point. The repeated defense of support suggests ongoing demand. At the same time, resistance levels continue to cap upward movement.

The weekly chart reflects a market in balance, with both sides waiting for confirmation. A move beyond these defined levels will likely set the next direction for AVAX.

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Bitcoin Dips Below $75,000 as Strait of Hormuz Sees Zero Oil Tankers for First Time in History

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Bitcoin Price Performance.

Bitcoin (BTC) dropped below $75,000 on April 19 as the Strait of Hormuz shut down entirely and Iran rejected a second round of negotiations with the United States.

The developments mark a sharp escalation in the US-Iran standoff, with zero oil tankers passing through the strait and diplomatic channels appearing to collapse.

Strait of Hormuz Shuts Down as Diplomacy Stalls

No oil tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closing the waterway that handles roughly 20% of global seaborne oil trade.

“It appears that the Strait of Hormuz is now completely closed for the first time in history. The US “blockade” and Iran’s closure are in full force,” wrote The Kobeissi Letter.

Reportedly, thirteen tankers had already turned back mid-route the day before, freezing shipping flows through the critical chokepoint.

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Iran’s state media confirmed that Tehran rejected participating in a second round of talks with Washington. Iranian officials cited what they called “deception” from President Trump, pointing to “inconsistency with what is actually happening” during negotiations.

The rejection came after the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without an agreement last week.

Trump Escalates Threats Against Iran

President Trump accused Iran of firing on ships in the strait in violation of the ceasefire agreement. He threatened to “knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran” if Tehran refuses a deal.

General sentiment is that both countries are on the verge of a new round of escalation, with futures markets set to open within hours.

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Bitcoin has faced sustained pressure from the US-Iran conflict since February 28. The pioneer crypto previously fell from above $100,000 when Iran first moved to close the strait earlier this year. Amid Sunday’s risk-off sentiment, the king of crypto fell below $75,000 for yet another time.

Bitcoin Price Performance.
Bitcoin Price Performance. Source: TradingView

Rising oil prices and inflation fears have repeatedly pushed investors toward traditional safe-haven assets over crypto.

The coming hours may prove critical as futures markets open and traders price in the diplomatic breakdown.

The post Bitcoin Dips Below $75,000 as Strait of Hormuz Sees Zero Oil Tankers for First Time in History appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Solana Holds Cup and Handle Structure as Price Trades Within Key Consolidation Range

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TLDR:

  • Solana’s monthly chart shows a cup-and-handle pattern forming after a long recovery from 2023 lows.
  • Price remains inside a descending channel, with $70–$80 support acting as a key short-term level.
  • Resistance between $240–$280 marks the breakout zone needed to confirm the bullish continuation pattern.
  • A breakdown below $70 may weaken the structure, while holding support keeps the consolidation phase active.

Solana’s monthly price structure is drawing attention as it continues to form a classic cup-and-handle pattern. The asset remains within a consolidation phase, with price currently moving inside the handle range after a strong recovery from earlier lows.

Long-Term Structure Shows Gradual Recovery

Solana’s macro chart reflects a rounded bottom that formed between 2021 and 2024. Price peaked near $240–$260 in 2021 before entering a prolonged decline. It later found support near $10–$12 in early 2023, marking the cycle low.

Bitcoinsensus describes this structure as a developing cup-and-handle pattern on the monthly timeframe.

The post notes that the recovery from the 2023 lows formed a rounded base, which is often linked to steady accumulation rather than rapid speculation.

From that bottom, price climbed steadily toward the previous highs, completing the cup formation. This move established a broader bullish structure, supported by higher highs during the recovery phase. The return to the $240–$260 range defined the upper boundary of the cup.

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Since reaching that zone, the price has not broken out. Instead, it has entered a controlled pullback. This phase forms the handle portion of the structure, which typically follows a rounded recovery.

The handle appears as a downward-sloping channel. Current price action remains within this range, with resistance near $180–$200 and support around $70–$80. At the time of observation, the price traded near $89.97, closer to the lower boundary.

Consolidation Phase Keeps Market in Balance

The handle structure reflects short-term pressure, although the broader trend remains intact. This phase often involves reduced volatility compared to the earlier recovery. Price movement within this channel suggests a pause rather than a confirmed reversal.

Key resistance levels remain clearly defined. The descending channel top sits near $170–$200, acting as immediate resistance. Beyond that, the $240–$280 range marks the major breakout zone tied to the cup formation.

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On the downside, the $70–$80 region serves as critical support. A breakdown below this level could shift market structure. In such a case, the price may move toward $60 or lower, weakening the current pattern.

The broader structure remains intact as long as support holds. The cup-and-handle pattern traditionally requires a breakout above the rim for confirmation. In this case, that level lies near $240–$280.

If price moves above this zone with strong momentum, the pattern projects a larger upside range. The depth of the cup suggests a possible extension toward $450–$550. However, such movement depends on sustained strength and a confirmed breakout.

For now, the price continues to move within the handle. This keeps the market in a neutral position, with both upward and downward scenarios still open.

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A hold above support may allow a move toward channel resistance. A break below support could delay further recovery.

The current phase remains focused on consolidation. Market participants continue to watch the $70–$80 support and the descending resistance line for direction. Movement beyond these levels will likely define the next stage of the trend.

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Money Market Funds See Record $172B Outflows as Capital Rotates Across Markets

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TLDR:

  • Money market funds recorded a $172.2B weekly outflow, the largest ever, far exceeding typical April withdrawal trends.
  • Equity funds attracted $11.3B while bond funds saw $7.9B inflows, showing a shift toward diversified allocations.
  • Crypto and gold funds each gained $1.2B, reflecting steady demand for alternative assets during capital rotation.
  • Seasonal tax payments and portfolio adjustments drove withdrawals, pushing the four-week average to early 2024 levels.

Money market funds recorded a historic weekly outflow as capital rotated across asset classes. Recent data shows a sharp withdrawal trend, with funds moving into equities, bonds, and alternative assets during a period that often aligns with seasonal tax payments.

Record Outflows Reshape Short-Term Liquidity Trends

Money market funds saw a weekly outflow of $172.2 billion, marking the largest drawdown ever recorded. The scale of withdrawals exceeded typical April averages, reflecting an unusual shift in short-term liquidity positioning.

According to a post shared by The Kobeissi Letter on X, the weekly outflow was over 320% above the average April movement seen in recent years.

The data also showed that the four-week moving average dropped to negative $30.0 billion, reaching levels last seen in early 2024.

This change in flow patterns coincided with capital moving into other financial instruments. Equity funds attracted $11.3 billion, while bond funds recorded inflows of $7.9 billion during the same period. These figures suggest that investors adjusted allocations rather than exiting markets entirely.

At the same time, alternative assets saw moderate interest. Gold and crypto-related funds each received $1.2 billion in inflows. While smaller in size compared to equities and bonds, these inflows indicate continued diversification across asset classes.

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April often brings seasonal liquidity changes due to tax obligations. As a result, part of the outflow from money market funds was linked to tax-related withdrawals. This pattern tends to repeat annually, although the magnitude this time stands out.

Capital Rotation Signals Broader Allocation Shifts

The movement of funds into equities and bonds points to a broader reallocation strategy. Investors appear to be balancing short-term liquidity needs with longer-term positioning across markets.

Equity inflows suggest a willingness to maintain exposure to risk assets despite recent volatility. Meanwhile, bond inflows indicate continued interest in fixed-income securities, often used for stability during uncertain conditions.

The inflows into gold and crypto funds, although smaller, add another layer to the overall picture. These assets are often viewed as alternative stores of value, especially during periods of shifting liquidity trends.

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The decline in the four-week moving average of withdrawals also provides context. It shows that while the weekly outflow was large, the broader trend reflects sustained but less extreme withdrawals over time.

Taken together, the data show that capital is not leaving the financial system but moving between asset classes. Seasonal factors, combined with changing market preferences, continue to shape these flows.

As April progresses, similar patterns may continue, especially if tax-related withdrawals remain active. However, the redistribution of funds suggests ongoing engagement across multiple markets rather than a retreat from risk.

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Michael Saylor Signals Rising Bitcoin Cost Basis as $75K Emerges as Key Support Zone

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TLDR:

  • Institutional Bitcoin buying continues across cycles, with cost basis rising steadily toward the $75K range
  • Large purchase clusters at higher prices reflect increased capital deployment during bullish momentum phases
  • The $75K level aligns with average cost, making it a key support zone for current market positioning
  • Bitcoin price near cost basis signals a decision point as market direction remains uncertain in the short term

Bitcoin accumulation trends tied to large institutional buyers continue to draw market attention as price action tests key levels.

A recent dataset shared publicly outlines long-term purchasing behavior, cost basis movement, and evolving strategy across multiple market cycles up to April 19, 2026.

Institutional Accumulation Strategy Expands Across Market Cycles

A post by Michael Saylor introduced the chart with a brief statement urging larger thinking. The shared data tracks a “Strategy Tracker,” presenting Bitcoin purchases over time alongside price movement and average cost trends.

The dataset shows total holdings of 780,897 BTC valued at $59.10 billion. The average acquisition cost stands at $75,577 per Bitcoin.

Meanwhile, cumulative tracked purchases reach 8,780,897 BTC across 106 events, reflecting long-term accumulation behavior.

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Early accumulation occurred when Bitcoin traded between $10,000 and $40,000. During this period, purchases remained consistent but relatively small.

As a result, the average cost line moved gradually upward, showing controlled exposure during lower price levels.

As prices declined toward the $20,000 to $30,000 range, buying activity continued. This phase reflects steady accumulation during market weakness. The average cost stabilized before rising again, indicating continued capital deployment without hesitation.

Later, Bitcoin entered a strong upward move, climbing beyond $100,000. During this phase, purchase sizes increased, and buying frequency rose. The average cost also climbed sharply, signaling a shift toward momentum-driven accumulation.

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Price Levels and Cost Basis Shape Market Positioning

The chart outlines key price zones that now frame market structure. The $75,000 to $80,000 range aligns closely with the average acquisition cost. This level now serves as a central support zone tied to institutional positioning.

Below that, the $60,000 to $65,000 range marks a previous consolidation area. This zone acted as a base before the breakout that pushed prices higher. These levels remain relevant for traders assessing downside scenarios.

On the upside, $100,000 continues to act as a psychological barrier. The price has tested this level multiple times. Above that, the $120,000 to $130,000 range represents the recent peak and a clear resistance zone.

The relationship between price and average cost remains central to the current setup. When Bitcoin trades above the cost basis, positions remain in profit. When price approaches this level, it becomes a decision point for market participants.

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Recent data shows Bitcoin hovering near this cost level. This places the market in a narrow range where direction remains uncertain. At the same time, continued buying during both rallies and pullbacks reflects a steady approach.

Purchase markers on the chart also show larger allocations at higher price levels. This pattern suggests increasing capital commitment over time. It also reflects a willingness to accumulate regardless of short-term price fluctuations.

The absence of selling activity across the timeline reinforces a long-term positioning strategy. Rather than reacting to price swings, the approach remains focused on building exposure across cycles.

Future price movement now depends on how Bitcoin behaves around the $75,000 level. Holding above this range may support another move toward $100,000 and beyond. However, a breakdown below this level could shift short-term market direction toward lower support zones.

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The chart presents a structured view of accumulation, cost growth, and price interaction. It captures how institutional participation has evolved alongside Bitcoin’s expanding market cycle.

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Current BTC Price Action Shows Dramatic Underperformance: Analyst

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Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving

The current Bitcoin (BTC) market cycle is “dramatically” weaker than the three previous cycles, according to Alex Thorn, the head of firmwide research at investment firm Galaxy.

Thorn compared price action since the April 2024 Bitcoin halving to cycles triggered in 2012, 2016 and 2020; the current cycle shows significantly dampened volatility and lower upside. The all-time high above $125,000 on Oct. 5, 2025 was only 97% above the 2024 halving price around $63,000.

BTC’s price increased by about 9,294% during the 2012 halving cycle, reaching a high of about $1,163, and climbed by about 2,950% during the 2016 halving cycle, reaching a high of about $19,891. The 2020 halving saw a price increase of about 761%.

Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving
A comparison of Bitcoin’s price action in previous halving cycles. Source: Alex Thorn

“Cycle four is dramatically underperforming prior cycles,” Thorn said in an X post, asking, “Is this the new normal, or is it the new normal until it isn’t?”

The decreasing volatility in each successive BTC halving cycle suggests that traditional market dynamics are changing and that BTC’s price may start to be influenced more by other factors, rather than the halving or the four-year cycle market theory.

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The 30-day Bitcoin Volatility Index, which spiked to 9.64% on April 2, 2020, has not been above 3.11% in the current cycle, a reading last tipped on Aug. 24, 2024. At last look, the latest 30-day estimate for that volatility gauge is 1.75%, according to Bitbo data.

Related: Bitcoin bull run ‘still too early’ to call as demand lags exiting capital: Analyst

Critics say current cycle performance ignores the premature all-time high before 2024’s halving

BTC reached what was then the all-time high above the $70,000 level in March 2024 — one month before the April 2024 halving.

The approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States in January 2024 was the primary catalyst for the price pump.

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Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving
The price of BTC hit an all-time high before the April 2024 halving. Source: TradingView

This historic anomaly of BTC hitting a new all-time high before the halving skewed the current cycle’s price performance, critics of Thorn’s analysis said.

Bitcoin drawdowns have also become less severe, as volatility has declined, according to Fidelity Digital Assets.

Previous Bitcoin bear markets have seen declines between 80% and 90%, according to Zack Wainwright, a Fidelity Digital Assets research analyst.

However, Bitcoin’s crash to $60,000 from the all-time high above $125,000 represents a decline just north of 50%, Fidelity’s analysis noted.

In March, Jan van Eck, CEO of asset management company VanEck, said that BTC is close to bottoming out and that he expects the price to begin gradually rising again in 2026. 

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At last look, the biggest crypto was trading at about $74,703, up almost 5% in the last seven days, according to TradingView data.

Magazine: Bitcoin will not hit $1M by 2030, says veteran trader Peter Brandt